The Nigerian Army has warned that it is a grievous criminal offence for individuals or communities to continue to shield or harbour any known Boko Haram terrorists in their midst.

The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman gave the warning in a statement on Thursday in Abuja after troops thwarted attempt by the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists to invade and attack Magumeri town.

Usman said the terrorists made the attempt on Wednesday evening to attack the town in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno, but that the timely invention of troops thwarted the attempt.

“While troops are still consolidating, and mopping up, it is imperative to state that preliminary investigation shows that the attackers of Magumeri came from the same community. The terrorists that attack the village are well known to the people. It should also be noted that the village was never attacked throughout the period of the insurgency for some inexplicable reasons.The terrorists and their collaborators hibernating in the area were never exposed. There seems to be unholy alliance between the terrorists and the villagers”.

“Consequently, we are constrained to state that it is high time for the people to take up the fight and help the Nigerian military and other security agencies to protect them.

“The terrorists must be exposed and their movements promptly reported to the security agencies. The terrorists are inhuman and barbaric, therefore, cannot be trusted to spare anyone in perpetuating their inhuman acts,’’ he said.

“It is imperative that all communities in the North-East, especially Borno, should fully cooperate with the military and the security agencies by exposing Boko Haram terrorists in their respective towns and villages.’’